M.C. Sampath, retired Senior Associate Editor of The Hindu , passed away here on Saturday evening after suffering a massive cardiac arrest. He was 78.
He retired from The Hindu in 2012 after serving the newspaper for 50 years, not counting the five years during which he was the part-time correspondent in Chengalpattu. Joining the organisation in June 1961 as a Staff Reporter, he rose to become an Editorial writer and a Senior Associate Editor. He was also in charge of the Book Reviews for some years. For long years, he was writing the Religion column in the newspaper.
In his later years with the newspaper, as the seniormost member of the editorial team, Mr. Sampath assisted the Editor in managing the editorials for the day, finally seeing them off on the page after scrutiny.
MCS was an old school journalist who was meticulous in his commitment to accuracy, contextualising and fairness. As an editorial writer, he was clear-headed, sceptical about big claims, nuanced, and able to deal with complexity skilfully and to present a persuasive argument with ease. But he never shied away from expressing a forthright opinion on issues that mattered. And as a coordinator of editorials, willing to put in long hours, he was considered the safest pair of hands any Editor could wish for.
His father, the late K.M. Narasimhachariar, was the Agent for The Hindu in Chengalpattu. An M.A. in Economics from Madras University, Mr. Sampath was a genial friend, philosopher and guide to his colleagues. Though he was due for retirement in 1996, he was given extension of service till 2012 by successive Editors.
He is survived by his wife and two sons.
